9 July 2020, Kathmandu
Since the government has enforced nationwide lockdown on March 24 to stem the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, it has had significant impact on the sector of public transportation. Though government has changed lockdown modality to make public life ease and to restore the day to day stuffs, most specifically public vehicles are still observing a complete lockdown. Restrictions have been implemented to public transport which is hitting hard to public vehicle users.
Prior to this, a cabinet meeting has already decided to change the modality of lockdown in a bid to gradually resume economic activities in the country. The meeting also decided to resume the operation of private vehicles in the districts that have recorded fewer cases of COVID-19 on odd-even basis so far.
However, there has not been any effective homework from the government’s side to revive the operation of public transportation applying precautionary measures. On the other hand, it can be ascertained that due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the numbers of public transportation users are declining as people’s mobility has been limited.
Still, the government does not have any plans to reopen the crucial sector amid fears of a surge in coronavirus infection cases. Government is reluctant to resume public transport as suggested by the doctors to maintain social and physical distancing to avoid the infection and it is not possible to do inside a public vehicle.
But if we see from another point, not resuming public transport is creating difficulties not only among public vehicle users but also for those depending on this sector. The transportation entrepreneurs are being unable to make payment to its staffs on time. On the next hand, they are themselves under pressure to pay bank loans while government is urging to pay tax as well. Such deteriorating situation may cause mental health problems leading to almost commit suicide.
According to the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, over 400,000 public vehicles are in the garage for the past three months. Millions more depend on the transportation sector as several other businesses rely on it. Entrepreneurs are pressing the government to come up with a plan to reopen the public vehicle, however, government has not got any. Officials say that coronavirus infection rates could spike if the public transport resumes but has anyone thought that the majority of the population in the country are depended on it? Being trying to be away from the problems making excuses all time is not accepted anymore.
If private vehicle can ply on the road then why not public vehicle? Public are compelled with exorbitant fare to make even for limited distance. Many are stuck in one place and can not think to move from there due to the arbitrarily fare system imposed by the private one. Thus, it is significant to make comprehensive review of the coronavirus pandemic in the country. Government now should make no delay to resume public transport providing relaxations for districts falling under the ‘green’ zone categories. With the emphasis on physical distancing and safety measures will help to revive it. The government must make effective effort to reopen the public transport system framing proper guidelines to make smooth progress.
